Fireworks ban ability on agenda

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will consider adding a city ordinance that would authorize them to implement a temporary ban on permissible fireworks within city limits, should forecasted weather conditions create a very high risk of fire danger. Although the fire department had very few firework related fires during a record dry and hot 4th of July season this year, concerns raised by citizens are said to be the driving force behind the new ordinance.

The ordinance would not prohibit local sales of fireworks or the annual 4th of July fireworks display, put on at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds.

The ordinance will be considered during the council's semi-monthly meeting, Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium.

Also during the meeting councilors will finalize the appointment of members to the McCook Planning Steering Committee and related subcommittees. The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, 5:15 p.m. at the Keystone Business Center Training Room. The subcommittees and appointees are as follows;

Community Growth and Land Use: Jennifer Morgan, Terri Shipshock, Cami Bradley, Keith Delano

Housing: Becky Dutcher, Mary Kircher, Greg Hepp, Richard Hauxwell, Brian Garcia

The Downtown: Matt Sehnert, Cloyd Clark, Jeff Gross, Cody Dame, Mark Carman

Community and Economic Development: Mark Friehe, Greg Wolford, Bill Burton, Rex Nelson, Will Midkiff, Angela Raby, Bill Davis

Public Facitilities/Service and Transportation: Kathy Eaton, Leon Kuhlen, Kyle Potthoff, Jesse Dutcher, Chris Miller.

A public hearing is scheduled during Monday's City Council meeting to discuss a request for approval of a minor subdivision, just West of U.S. Highway 83 on Drive 716. The McCook Planning Commission has a similar public hearing and action item scheduled prior to the city council meeting, city staff has recommended approval of the subdivision, subject to their recommendation.

The application from Richard Cappel to create "Cappel Industrial Park" indicates the subdivision would be located just west of property approved to be developed for Stack and Store storage units and southwest of the future home of JLB Welding.

Other items on the consent and regular agenda:

* A $3,500 agreement between the city and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services will be considered. The agreement will allow city departments and citizens to utilize services to help control wildlife within city limits, that has caused nuisance or potentially dangerous scenarios. The service was previously provided by Red Willow County and utilized primarily at the McCook airport. County Commissioners discontinued the service in July, citing expense cutting measures relating to the new county jail. Commissioners also indicated they would reconsider providing the wildlife services for the rest of the county if the City of McCook would pay for their portion of the cost.

* McCook property owners Mark Wilcox, Jim Kenny and Joe Leamon have requested authorization to construct a concrete alley way on city right of way adjacent to their properties. The alley would meet city standards and be located between West 14th Street and West Fairacres, as well as between West O Street and West Q Street.

* Drawings and bid specifications for storm sewer system drainage improvements to be made at the intersection of East Ninth Street and G Street will be considered for approval. The project is anticipated to be completed by April 30, 2013, and will benefit both the city and adjacent property owners, effected by undersized and absent sewer inlets. The project is part of the city's one and six year street improvement plan.

* The City of McCook snow and ice removal procedures will be received and filed. The procedures and policies are revised annually and include the interlocal cooperative act between the city and Red Willow County for snow plowing services.

* The Intercity Bus Agreements with the Nebraska Department of Roads and Dashabout Roadrunner, Inc., will considered for approval.

* MO Dough LLC has requested special liquor licenses for a hospice services fund raiser at Community Hospital on Nov. 18, 2012 and a reception at the Armed Forces Reserve Center on U.S. Highway 6 and 34 on Dec. 15, 2012.